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HF2361 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Polling place closure and change notice required until occurrence of a presidential election or redistricting.

Related bill: SF2846

AI Generated Summary

This bill (H.F. No. 2361) amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.16, subdivision 1a, to enhance voter notification when a polling place is relocated.

Key Provisions:

  1. Mail Notification Requirement:

    • If a polling place changes, the governing body must send a nonforwardable mailed notice to each household with a registered voter in the affected precinct at least 25 days before the next election.
    • The Secretary of State will provide a sample of this notice.
    • Any returned undeliverable notices must be forwarded to the county auditor.
    • This requirement does not apply to polling place relocations occurring on election day under section 204B.175.

  2. On-Site Notification Requirement:

    • If a polling place is closed, a notice in large print must be posted at the old polling location, if practical, to inform voters of the new polling place location.
    • The notice should also be posted in a visible area for voters using curbside voting.
    • The notice must be in all languages required under section 204B.295 for that precinct.
    • The notice must remain in place for each primary and general election until a presidential general election or redistricting occurs.

The Secretary of State is responsible for preparing a sample of this notice to ensure consistency.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to post notices at closed polling places in large print."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the requirements for voter notification when polling places are changed under section 204B.16, subdivision 1a.",
      "modified": [
        "Extent of notice distribution clarified for motor vehicle voters."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.16",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References procedures under section 204B.175 regarding changes to polling places on election day.",
      "modified": [
        "Cross-reference to existing procedure for same-day changes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.175",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Mentions adjustments for voters who cast ballots from their vehicles under section 204C.15, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification added about notice placement for motor vehicle accessible voting."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204C.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References language requirements for notices under section 204B.295.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures notices are available in all required languages for affected precincts."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "204B.295",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors